Stone Roses Reunite

The Stone Roses made a huge splash in 1989 with its brilliantly conceived,
self-titled debut. However, all of the attention it received was squandered
when a lengthy legal battle delayed the release of its sophomore set. By the
time that Second Coming hit store shelves a few years later, the
publicís attention had turned elsewhere. Disillusioned, the Stone Roses
disbanded. Hoping for another chance at success, the outfit is planning to
reunite for a series of shows in Manchester, England next summer. The band
also secured a pair of new record deals ó with Columbia in the U.S. and
Universal everywhere else ó which means additional music as well as an
extended tour are likely to follow.

Black Sabbath, Bruce Springsteen Plan New Albums, Tours

More than five years after its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame, Black Sabbath made a formal announcement in November that its original
lineup not only was planning to reunite for a world tour in 2012, but also was
in the midst of recording a new album with producer Rick Rubin. For the first
time in 33 years, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward have
set aside their differences and have begun the process of writing new
material. Although the untitled effort wonít be issued until next fall, Black
Sabbath has already begun lining up concerts in Europe for late spring and
early summer.

Meanwhile, Bruce Springsteen is planning to spend most of 2012 on the road with the E Street Band. Tickets for the European leg of the tour, which will
stretch from mid-May through late July, are already on sale. U.S. dates are
expected to begin in March. Springsteen announced that Wrecking Ball,
his next album, will be issued on March 6, just prior to the start of the
tour. The global excursion is certain to be an emotional journey for the
group. Key member Clarence Clemons passed way in June 2011.

The Beach Boys Plans 50th Anniversary Party

On November 1, The Beach Boys compiled The SMiLE Sessions, a long
overdue examination of rock ínĎ rollís most fabled unfinished recording. Even
before then, however, rumors were flying about a possible reunion of the original members of The Beach Boys to honor the groupís 50th
anniversary. As it turns out, all of the news that has surfaced over the past
year has been true. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and
David Marks have been busy preparing for a 50-date international tour that will
begin with a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April.
The outfit is planning to perform its hits as well as deeper cuts from its
endeavors. In addition, The Beach Boys has been working on material for a new
studio album, and it has been scouring its archives to assemble commemorative
editions of key efforts from its back catalogue as well as a career-spanning
boxed set.

Michael Jacksonís Doctor Sentenced

Dr. Conrad Murray has been held accountable for his actions, which had
resulted in the untimely death of Michael Jackson. Murray had been prescribing
surgical sedatives and other drugs to the late pop star. Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison for
administering the dose that killed the singer. Throughout the six-week trial,
Murray was unapologetic, which led Judge Michael Pastor to condemn his behavior by giving the physician the maximum possible sentence. Murrayís lawyers intend
to appeal the verdict, but even if they lose, the doctor isnít likely to serve
the full term.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

The votes have been tallied, and the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame has announced the list of artists who will join the institutionís esteemed
roster in 2012. The Beastie Boys, Laura Nyro, Donovan, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns Ní Roses, and The Small Faces/Faces will be inducted into the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on April 14. The 27th annual
ceremony will be broadcast on HBO in early May. Don Kirshner will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun award for his work as a producer and manager, and blues
guitarist Freddie King will be inducted as an early influence. In addition, R&B
historian Cosimo Matassa as well as producers Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns will
receive awards for musical excellence.